By Efe Onodjae
The Manager of the Rivers Port Complex, Kenechi Okaeze, has assured stakeholders that the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has not abandoned the Eastern Ports, contrary to concerns expressed by some industry players.
Okaeze gave the assurance while responding to questions from participants during an interactive session with members of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) in Port Harcourt where she represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the event.
Responding to concerns that the Eastern Ports had been neglected, Okaeze said the Federal Government and the management of the NPA were making sustained efforts to rehabilitate and modernise port infrastructure across the region.
“It is not correct to say that management has abandoned the Eastern Ports,” she said. “As we speak, some of the structures are being rehabilitated. Management has not ignored the Eastern Ports.”
She disclosed that six berths at the Rivers Port Complex have already been reconstructed and strengthened as part of ongoing infrastructure renewal aimed at improving operational efficiency and accommodating larger vessels.
According to her, the navigation channels are also being deepened to enable bigger ships to berth at the ports, thereby boosting cargo traffic and reducing the dependence on road transportation from ports in other parts of the country.
“We know the Eastern Ports have proximity to key markets, which is why the government is making consistent efforts to ensure the ports are rehabilitated and fully functional. This will allow vessels to come directly here and save the cost of transporting goods by road,” she said.
Okaeze noted that reviving the Eastern Ports would also address safety concerns associated with moving large volumes of cargo over long distances by road.
She expressed optimism that the ongoing rehabilitation projects would soon yield results, assuring stakeholders that the Eastern Ports would regain their strategic position in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“I must assure you, don’t worry. Very soon, the Eastern Ports will start moving,” she said.
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